MS HB51

Replaces per diem compensation of $67 per meeting (maximum 36 meetings annually) with annual salary for school board members.

School districts with fewer than 30,000 students pay board members $3,600 annually; districts with 30,000 or more students pay $6,000 annually.

Board members remain ineligible for state employee group insurance, retirement benefits, or other fringe benefits.

Members must reimburse their school district a proportionate portion of salary if they miss 20% or more of meetings during a calendar year, except for absences due to required military duty.

Local school board presidents must report to the State Board of Education by February 1 any members who missed 20% or more of meetings in the prior calendar year; effective July 1, 2021.